Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Extraction of Highly Degraded DNA from Ancient Bones and Teeth
Jesse Dabney1, Matthias Meyer2
1Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
We provide a DNA extraction protocol optimized for the recovery of highly fragmented molecules preserved within bones and teeth. In this method, the hard tissue matrix is degraded using an EDTA/Proteinase K lysis buffer, and the DNA is purified using spin columns with silica membranes. This method efficiently recovers molecules as short as 35 base-pairs long.
Related Concept Videos
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Proteins: From Genes to Degradation
Transcription is the synthesis of RNA...
Proteins: From Genes to Degradation
Regulated Protein Degradation
Protein degradation plays two important roles in the cells. It helps to protect cells from misfolded or damaged proteins before they lead to a...
Regulated Protein Degradation
DNA Isolation

